SERVICE DOGS RECEIVE FREE SIGHT SAVING EYE EXAMS

Stacee Daniel, executive director of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists says, "If we can assist more dogs, then the dogs can better assist people. This event is a success each year due to the outstanding support of our volunteer ophthalmologists, our sponsors and the service dog community. All are instrumental in helping these dogs."

Board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Jeannette da Silva Curiel recently examined over 35 police K-9's and Search & Rescue dogs at her Camarillo office. These dogs and their handlers came from law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including local police departments as well as California State University and the Department of Homeland Security. They ranged from a young puppy in training as a human remains detection (HRD) dog to a grizzled veteran police patrol dog with numerous apprehensions to his credit. "The variety of jobs that dogs can perform is incredible," says veterinarian Dr. Ron Dalzell of the National Police Dog Foundation, "from finding explosives to navigating a blind person through a busy shopping mall."

As an added benefit for these police dogs, the National Police Dog Foundation arranged for Dr. Lee Jane Huffman, a board certified veterinary dentist, to perform dental examinations in conjunction with the eye screenings. "These screening exams can detect potential ocular or oral problems at an early stage before they start to interfere with a working dog's performance," says Dr. Dalzell. "We truly appreciate Dr. da Silva Curiel and Dr. Huffman for providing their services. Ventura County is extremely fortunate to have such highly skilled specialists right here in our own community."